Cross-posted at the IDP08 Blue Blog.

Unlike my notes from the e-portfolio workshop, which were small picture and typed, my notes from the “Surviving Grad School” panel are big picture, and handwritten. There were a number of us at the panel, and Sarah gave a great overview.

At the panel, they asked the typical questions of how many people were PhD students, how many were masters students, and how many masters students planned on going for the PhD. I pseudo-raised my hand, which Marty noticed and chuckled at, but this is actually something that I’ve been thinking about for a long time. For almost as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted at least a masters, and hopefully a PhD. I’ve never known what it would be in, and I’m even less sure now than I was three months ago. I had hoped the masters program would reinvigorate my interest in academics, but so far I’ve mainly felt a continuance of the burnt-out-just-enough to think that maybe a PhD isn’t for me.

Then again, I haven’t really seen anything yet that’s truly sparked my interest, and without that, it’s hard to say “Yes, I definitely want to study that for five years.” I can see myself lecturing/teaching; that’s something I’ve always thought of. But then again, I’ve only had about three months of industry experience, and I feel like I should have more.

I’m not sure where I’m going with this post. I guess it’s to say that I’m really doubting whether I actually want the PhD. Or if it would be something I’d do for other persons in my life.

Anyway, enjoy the notes!